Bob Harig

(2:58 PM)

Hello again, thanks for checking out this golf chat. Plenty to talk about once again in the world of golf. Your questions are welcome, so please fire away and we'll get started.

Brandon (Lodi, CA)

I posed this question to Michael Collins yesterday in his chat but wanted to get your take as well. How embarrassed should the U.S. Solheim Cup team be based on how they acted on the course and how they played? The USGA's slogan of "While we're young" should be re-phrased for the U.S. women in 2015 as "shut up and let your play do the talking."

Bob Harig

(3:00 PM)

There were clearly some etiquette breaches at the Solheim Cup, especially when players left the green with their competitors yet to hole out. Just inexcusable. Pace of play is not just a problem for the Americans however. The entire competition suffered from slow play, some of it due to the course. No doubt, results speak loudest.

JY (TO)

When does the PGA Tour/Web.com play-off start for the last 25 Tour cards up for grabs? And is it top 75 on the web.com money list or just the top 50 (with the top 25 already having their cards guranteed)?

Bob Harig

(3:02 PM)

It starts next week (I wrote about this today, check out birdies and bogeys column). Top 75 on Web.com money list -- including the top 25 who get their cards automatically -- along with 126 to 200 on PGA Tour points list.

JY (TO)

How many cards at the new Q school set-up will be awarded for the Web.com tour next year? Do the top 75 on the web.com money list this year retain their cards, or is the number higher? I beleive the PGA Tour Canada also feeds a few spots into the Web.com tour next year as well.

Bob Harig

(3:07 PM)

It gets a little complicated, so bear with me.The next 25 money leaders from the Web.com finals who do not get PGA Tour cards are fully exempt on Web.comAnyone who finishes 126 to 150 on PGA Tour FedEx list is fully exempt on Web.com if they choose to go that route.There will also be Q-School for Web.com exclusively. Anyone 76 to 100 on the Web.com Finals money list is exempt into the final stage.

Jeff (Connecticut)

Do you think if Tiger only prepared for the 4 majors every year and didn't play on tour, he'd have a better chance at catching Jack?

Bob Harig

(3:08 PM)

Not at all. You have to keep your game sharp with competition. Hogan might have done it that way, but it doesn't work that way for all. Playing and competing are important. In fact, some have argued that Tiger doesn't play enough tournaments, and that it can hurt his performance in majors. At least that is a theory.

Andrew (WI)

With this new qualifying system, do you think young star players will go the Q-school route or go the Uihlein route in the future?

Bob Harig

(3:09 PM)

I think it's quite possible we'll see some guys go to Europe. Not that it is an easy avenue. But it might be a faster way into the top 50 in the world, which can then get you into the majors and WGCs, which would be a backdoor way onto the PGA Tour

Jim (Annapolis)

Friends and I often muse that the equipment change in golf equipment and the resulting change in golf courses has rendered generational performance comparison irrelevant -- especially in the Jack - Tiger race. Kind of like PED's making the baseball HOF almost irrelevant. Thoughts?

Bob Harig

(3:11 PM)

I think it's a topic worthy of discussion. How would Tiger do with Jack's equipment? How would Jack do with Bobby Jones' equipment? Then again, courses have been made much more difficult to deal with the advances in technology. It is an interesting debate

Bob (Seattle)

Do players who are qualified for the 2014 PGA tour already via wins have to play in the Web tournament if they didn't finish in the top 125 FedEx? What about those in the top 125 in money but not on the FedEx list?

Bob Harig

(3:12 PM)

If you are exempt by another means, such as victories, you do not have to play in the Web.com Finals. Woody Austin is an example. Won in Missisippi;finished outside of top 125 in points.For this year only, due to shortened schedule, if you were in top 125 in money but outside top 125 in points, you are considered exempt for next year. David Toms fits this description as do several others.

Al (Pensacola, FL)

Enjoy your work Bob. Looks like Captain Fred will have some serious thought in selecting Captain's picks for President Cup. Does taking Jordan Speith and pairing him with Tiger make sense?

Bob Harig

(3:14 PM)

I certainly think it makes sense to select Spieth. Not sure about the Tiger pairing, although it would be interesting. Right now Furyk, Stricker, Bubba and Dustin Johnsoon are outside the top 10. One of those has to get a pick, but why not a young guy who could use the experience to develop?

Ernie (Dunedin, FL)

Any news on the sponsorship and keeping the Tampa event at Copperhead?

Bob Harig

(3:14 PM)

It has been very quiet on that topic. The tournament office is still open and the tour says they are exploring sponsorship options. But time is running out. it is hard to believe the tour would help support the event for a second straight years without a title sponsor

Sam Snead (19th Hole)

Can Tiger get to 100 wins on the PGA Tour?

Bob Harig

(3:16 PM)

Yes, but it won't be easy. He needs 21 wins, which means averaging three a year for the next seven years, or until age 45. Perhaps if he has a couple more 5-win years coming up on age 40, that task will be easier.

Joe (Toronto)

Is Howard Stern good for golf?

Bob Harig

(3:17 PM)

I'd say it depends. Touting the "baba-booey" stuff, no. But appealing to a demographic that might not think much about golf? That can certainly help.

Shoshana (prepping for DBC)

One thing that I think could be neat, Monday Q'ing for Web.com finals events. Sort of preserves the q school spirit

Bob Harig

(3:19 PM)

I am not that bothered by Q-School being diminished. This is a better form of Q School. 4 tournaments, instead of one tournament over 108 holes. And guys in that boat could have tried to Monday qualify for Web.com events, then tried to get into the top 75.. Or get into the top 200 on the PGA Tour somehow..There were ways to accomplish that goal.

Chris (Chicago)

I think the best thing for Tiger and future Ryder/President's Cups is no Stricker/Furyk - then he has to play with someone young and it cannot hurt!

Bob Harig

(3:19 PM)

I do think the Stricker/Furyk days have passed

JY (TO)

One could argue that the only reason Tennis is still main-stream is that it has 3-4 iconic players that win all of the Majors. With every major in golf over the past 4-5 years won by different players, ultimately could this hurt the game if this trend continues?

Bob Harig

(3:20 PM)

There is something to be said that golf fans like a consistent winner, not the underdog. They like someone to dominate The fact nobody has won more than 2 majors in the past five-plus years speaks to that.

Shoshana (prepping for DBC)

On a slightly more serious note, do you know if the tour has thought at all about partnering with one of the mini-golf tours as an alternate route to the web.com tour?

Bob Harig

(3:21 PM)

Not sure if they have had those discussions. They are giving spots obviously to Canada and South America, which are sort of like mini-tours. Not sure if it is there hope to direct those players to those tours, but to your point, there is no avenue to the Web.com in the U.S. through another tour.

JY (TO)

Say what you will about Finchem, but I think the way he has built up the minor leagues (e.g. web.com) has been brilliant. This tour used to be an afterthought, but now with it feeding the PGA Tour each year with the up and coming stars, the large number of former PGA Tour regulars on it (that viewers can identify with), and even feeding players from even more minor of leagues (e.g. PGA Tour Canada) into it has generated a lot more interest and made it a more credible tour. What are your thoughts on this?

Bob Harig

(3:23 PM)

I agree that Finchem has done numerous things to the benefit of the tour, and strengthening the Web.com is one of them. How much true interest in it there is, however, is debatable. But just the fact that web.com events are on TV -- how many minor league baseball games are on TV -- is impressive.

Dan (Alameda CA)

People are talking about picking Jordan Spieth for the President's Cup this year, but if so we are talking about not picking someone like Jim Furyk or Dustin Johnson or Bubba and I just can't see that happening. Your views as always are appreciated.

Bob Harig

(3:24 PM)

You're right, it would definitely mean that Dustin Johnson or Bubba Watson would be left behind. Long hitters who can do a lot of damage in that format. I'm not sure that Stricker or Furyk is deserving of a captain's pick at this point, especially after the Ryder Cup. This is the time to move on, get the young guys more experience.

JY (TO) [via mobile]

How do playing privledges for players 126-200 on the money list work for next year? Are they ranked in priority sequence (e.g. #126 gets priority ranking #1) for tournies that do not fill up with those with full playing privledges? Do these players have full status on the web.com tour?

Bob Harig

(3:26 PM)

Yes! 126 to 150 on the PGA Tour are prioritized behind the 50 players who get cards through Web.com Tour/Finals. They are also fully exempt on Web.com

Dan (CA)

There seems to be a disconnect regarding the baba booey, mashed potato, ect... stuff after shots. My experience from going to tournaments is that people either laugh at them or don't care. I'm hearing loud responses on the internet against it, but on the course it's not a big deal.

Bob Harig

(3:27 PM)

It's becoming a bigger deal. Players hate it, many spectators are bothered by it, and it's awful on TV.

Brian (Northern NJ)

I'm headed to my first PGA Tour event this Sunday. Any tips?

Bob Harig

(3:27 PM)

A mixture of following favorite players and finding a good spot to camp out and watch the action come to you. Doing both gives you a feel for what you prefer.

Gomes (VGC)

Hi Bob! Do you think Dufner has the game to win multiple majors?? He seems like a subscriber to the Wow/Boy Doctrine. Thanks for taking my question!

Bob Harig

(3:29 PM)

I think it's a lot like Simpson, McDowell, B Watson, Martin Kaymer, etc.. You'd think any of them could win another one, but hasn't. Not easy to do, and Dufner only last year won his first tour event.

Chris (Chicago)

Has the President's Cup build up been very quiet? Who would you take as your 2 picks if you were captain of either team?

Bob Harig

(3:30 PM)

It has been quiet, due mostly to the fact that it's been a one-sided competition. It just doesn't stir the senses like the Ryder Cup, and the U.S. domination has led to that. The International team needs some experience, so Price should go down the list. For Couples, to me, it's between D Johnson, Bubba Watson and Spieth

Joe (Toronto)

The tour comes to New Jersey this week. Tons of Howard Stern fans and many "baba booeys" will be heard. Do you expect the PGA tour to do anything to curtail this?

Bob Harig

(3:32 PM)

I think they need to do something. I admit its not easy. They have a tough time policing phones, so how do you police this? But they need to try. Escort offenders to the door. It'll end the activity.

Fred (Boston)

Do you think the Spieth story this year is being undervalued? He is not only one of the best players on the PGA Tour at a young age, but he is doing it at an age that no one has accomplished such success at on the PGA Tour? If he wins any of the next eight majors, he will pass Rory as the youngest winner ever of a major.

Bob Harig

(3:33 PM)

No, I don't think it has been undervalued. I think he is getting his due, just by being mentioned for the Presidents Cup shows that. What he's done is impressive. But let's not get ahead of ourselves with majors. One step at a time.

Dennis (Chicago)

Bob, how many majors and tour wins are you going to predict for Spieth?

Bob Harig

(3:33 PM)

Way too early to say. Looks like a guy who has it, but we've said that about a lot of young players.

Anthony (Jacksonville)

Has there ever been a golfer who was as competitive on the PGA Tour at age 20 or so as Spieth is? An argument can be made that a 20 year old have been the best player in the world for the last six or so weeks.

Bob Harig

(3:35 PM)

Well, Tiger. He was 20 years old when he turned pro in 1996. But your point is taken.

Shoshana (prepping for DBC)

One thing that I think gets overlooked is that playing with Tiger in a team event is tough. Not because of Tiger, but because of all the stuff that goes with playing with Tiger. Plus the other team is pumped to try to beat you. Maybe not a great environment for someone getting their feet wet.

Bob Harig

(3:36 PM)

True. Lots of things going on with Tiger. But it seems the old buddy route hasn't worked of late. Time to break in a new partner.

Shoshana (prepping for DBC)

I feel for guys like Justin Thomas, who are probably going to have to apprentice for a year on web.com. Yeah Speith did it, but he was helped by having a high enough profile to insure the maximum sponsor invites

Bob Harig

(3:38 PM)

I don't see it as that bad of a thing. If they are really, really good, they can Monday qualify and try to go that route on the PGA Tour. Get sponsor exemptions. Play well enough to win the money necessary to get a card. Otherwise you finish among the top 75 on the Web.co -- while learning the ropes -- and then you get a 4-tournament shot at the PGA Tour, far more fair than one tournament over a week.

Chris (Chicago)

I think the President's Cup is where a rookie needs to start - seems like less pressure than Glen Eagles next year..thoughts?

Bob Harig

(3:39 PM)

No doubt. This is the time to get the younger guys experience, although it is shaping up to be a team of guys who have played in these competitions before.

Tiger (PEDs?)

What would happen to the PGA Tour if this turned out to be true?Circumstantially, a lot of the issues that he suffers from are issues that long term PED users have. Studies have shown PED users are more prone to increased risk of tendon ruptures.According to a survey of retired NFL football players, steroid users had higher rates of neck a??stingera?ý or a??burnera?ý injuries; herniated spinal disks; elbow injuries; injuries to the knee ligaments and menisci; and injuries of the ankle, foot, and toes.

Bob Harig

(3:41 PM)

I am only posting this so I won't be accused of ignoring it. Nothing I can say here will make anyone feel any differently on the issue. All I know is, Tiger was a staunch proponent of drug testing, which took place in 2008. To me, it doesn't seem he has changed much since then in terms of his body -- which you would think would be different if he had to stop taking something. Just too much conjecture on a subject like this.

James (DC)

If you're going to kick someone out for yelling 'baba booey' are you going to kick people out for saying 'get in the hole' as well? These are paying customers who are not cursing or saying anything before impact. Slippery slope when you start booting fans.

Bob Harig

(3:42 PM)

The Masters has no problem doing it. "Get in the hole," is ridiculous as well. I admit it's a slippery slope, but something has to be done. There's a difference between being a boisterous spectator who cheers than one who does this just to call attention to himself.

Dan (CA)

How is someone yelling "mashed potatoes" awful for TV? It's irrelevant to me, doesn't affect my viewing in any way. I can understand if players dislike it, but fans?

Bob Harig

(3:43 PM)

Maybe it doesn't bother you, but it's annoying to many, including me. Just the fact we are talking about it is annoying.

Dennis (Chicago)

Do you get the feeling that Rory might go the Greg Norman route and retire early. Watching him play, I just don't see the same drive that Woods, Nicklaus, Player, Palmer, Mickelson have. Can you really see Rory playing for another 25 years?

Bob Harig

(3:44 PM)

Well, first Norman didn't retire early. He played on the regular tour well into his 40s. He nearly won the British Open at 53. But I see your point about Rory. He seems a bit more carefree, less driven. I'm not sure if that is really the case.

Shoshana (prepping for DBC)

Slow the roll on Speith folks. He's a great story, and looks like he'll be a great golfer: but best golfer in the world the last six weeks? Check out his finishes at the PGA and Open. Then you know their are the guys that won those events, plus a guy just won Firestone who is pretty good. Oh and Speith would have to win one of the next 4 majors to be the youngest of the modern era (post ww2). Same guy who just won Firestone won a major a few months past his 21st bday

Bob Harig

(3:45 PM)

Yeah, Spieth has been impressive -- he would have earned his card with no status even without winning. But he won the John Deere and was second at Greensboro, not the highest-profile events. Not diminishing what he has done, but we do need to step back and let it play out.

Fred (Boston)

Do you think that the PGA Tour should be able to give out Tour Cards to exceptional young players like the LPGA Tour does? Isn't that what the LPGA Tour is doing with Hull? It might not be fair to the 40 year old journeyman, but wouldn't allowing the 21 year old young player with a ton of potential be better for the tour in the long run?

Bob Harig

(3:46 PM)

That is not what the LPGA is doing The LPGA is allowing Hull to compete at Q School despite not being 18. That is a big difference. She still has to earn her place.

Chris (Chicago)

Has Rory turned the corner after his play at the PGA?

Bob Harig

(3:46 PM)

Not sure about that. It was one decent tournament. Let's see how he fares over the next month. He has to play well to even return to the Tour Championship.

Dennis (Chicago)

Since we are in the steroid era of baseball, I might as well ask about golf. Is it fair to question golfers who all of a sudden become top players after being mediocre tour players for many years? For example, could a player like Dufner or Streelman be on PED's?

Bob Harig

(3:48 PM)

If you've looked at Dufner, I doubt it. Streelman's results have not been off the charts, he has a single win. PEDs do not equate the same way with a golfer. Pure stength and hitting it farther doesn't necessarily mean you will score better. Obviously overcoming injury is important. But I think this is a huge leap to take in these instances.

Tom (Verona, WI)

How sad are you about the demise of caddie racing?

Bob Harig

(3:49 PM)

I"m not really. I think the Phoenix event will be just fine without it. But not sure why it was such a big deal to ban it. The tour has bigger problems to deal with -- and this is not even a problem.

Ben (Rhode Island)

How do you think Adam Scott will fare in the Fed Ex Cup playoffs and do you think he has a good shot at winning any or the whole purse?

Bob Harig

(3:50 PM)

I think he's motivated to do well in these tournaments, he's tried to gear up for the big ones. Whether that means an overall victory is another matter, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him do well.

Shoshana (prepping for DBC)

When is a PED a PED? I think it's fair to question whether PED's have much of a performance enhancing effect. Ibprofin helps you recover from injury. That's clearly performance enhancing. I get that we are in an era with more drugs, but the conversation seems to have gotten a little hyperbolic and turned into a witch hunt

Bob Harig

(3:51 PM)

Yes, we can go all over the map with this. HGH is widely considered the healing drug, why that is different than Tylonol, I'm not sure. But the rules say it isn't allowed.

Angelo (Brooklyn)

You think Sergio might have "minor back issues" leading up to the 2024 Ryder Cup if he is in contention to make the European Team? The crowd at Bethpage Black would roast him.

Bob Harig

(3:52 PM)

God love Sergio is he is able to make that European Ryder Cup team 11 years from now at age 44.

James (DC)

Will Tiger be top 5 going into the Tour Championship regardless how he finished in the first 3 playoff events?

Bob Harig

(3:54 PM)

Doubtful. There are now 5x the points available, so he will get passed if he doesn't do anything. One thing that helps is no cut at the BMW. He will earn points there for sure. But if he were to do nothing, he quite easily would be passed by 5 players.

Pesky (VGC)

Lets face it. "Baba Booey" and "mashed potatoes" are better than "get in the hole" or "you da man". That's all I got. Thanks for taking my question Bob. I mean, my comment.

Bob Harig

(3:54 PM)

Just my opinion, I think they're all bad. It's tired, not funny, annoying

Angelo (Brooklyn)

Do you see the International Team at least being competitive this time around in the President's Cup? Besides Scott, Day, Els, Schwartzel, they look pretty thin on the back end.

Bob Harig

(3:55 PM)

You're right, the team seems weaker than usual. And even when it has been strong, it has struggled.

Kolbay (Oak bay)

We have this really slow player at our club (nic-named Eel). The guy can play, but when you tell him he is slow, he responds with "im the fastest player in the club". I know there is this big "while we are young" push in golf. Do you have any tips?

Bob Harig

(3:56 PM)

Tough one. A person who adamantly believes he is not slow -- and thinks he is fast -- is tough to convince. Only way is to have an outsider, a ranger or starter who watches and says something based on observing.

Shoshana (prepping for DBC)

Should the tour have a caddie retirement fund? Seems as if it would be a nice and responsible gesture

Bob Harig

(4:00 PM)

With all due respect to my colleague Michael Collins -- former caddie guru -- I don't think the tour has to do anything in this regard.The caddies works for the player, just like a coach, a sports psychologist, a trainer, a nanny. The tour does not take care of those people, it's the player's responsibility.Why is it the responsibility of the PGA Tour to fund a caddie benefits program or retirement program? I think it is important, however, that the tour give caddies an adequate place to park, to eat, to change. It might even offer a benefits program that they could tap into, given that you'd still be responsible for your own premiums. But retirement? To me, that is the responsibility of the player; the caddie is his employee.

Bryce (NC)

Snedeker and Tiger a good pair for the Presidents Cup?

Bob Harig

(4:00 PM)

Yes, I think that is an interesting scenario

James (DC)

Bob, can you at least say the guy who yelled "chewbacca" at Dufner was funny? Some points for originality at least.

Bob Harig

(4:00 PM)

Sorry, but the entire effort to be "original' is why this has gotten out of hand.

Brian (Chicago)

Sergio and Phil could be captains at Bethpage, no?

Bob Harig

(4:01 PM)

Might still be early for Sergio, he'll only be 44

Tom (Verona, WI)

Which of the playoff events are you attending?

Bob Harig

(4:02 PM)

Heading to BMW and Tour Championship

Angelo (Brooklyn)

How about this for a scenario? Phil hasn't won a US Open by the year 2020. He turns 50 the week before the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot. If that scenario plays out and he wins, is that the greatest story in the history of golf? Obviously a lot of ifs, but that would be a story for the ages, no?

Bob Harig

(4:02 PM)

No doubt! Just winning any major at age 50 would likely be one of the all-time stories.

Bill (Worcester)

Best way to follow a golf tourney in your opinion? Follow a group for a bit, or post up at a hole, maybe a par 3? Or both?

Bob Harig

(4:03 PM)

Both! I think a variety is best, if you are physically able. A great way to see the course is to walk it with no play, then settle into a hole you like.

Bob Harig

(4:04 PM)

Okay folks, I'm out of time. Sorry I didn't get to all the questions, it was a strong turnout. Much appreciated.. .I'm available on Twitter @bobharig if you what to run anything by me there. Thanks again.